Woman injured after leopard claws her hand through bus window during safari at Bengaluru park. Video

A woman visiting Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru was injured on Thursday afternoon after a leopard reached through a safari bus window and clawed her hand. The visitor, identified as Vahitha Banu, 56, from Chennai, was taken to a hospital in Jigani and was later declared stable.

The incident occurred at approximately 1 pm during a non-air-conditioned safari vehicle’s tour of the leopard enclosure. Footage shared online showed the leopard climbing onto the bus and extending its paw through the opening, making contact with the passenger seated near the window.

According to park officials, the vehicles used for the leopard safari were equipped with metal wire mesh intended to prevent any interaction between wildlife and those on board. Staff members said the animal managed to push its paw through a narrow space in the mesh and strike the woman’s hand.

An official explained: “The woman received scratch injuries to her hand and was given first aid. She was shifted to a private hospital for treatment and is stated to be doing fine.”

Surya Sen A.V., Deputy Conservator of Forests and Executive Director of the park, confirmed the details in a written statement. He noted that the leopard had attempted to climb onto the bus before its paw made contact with the passenger. The statement added: “She was immediately taken to the nearest hospital for first aid and was examined for any further injuries and is fine with a minor injury.”